Campus News

Broadway enthusiasts, hold on to your programs. The University of St. Thomas Music Department is about to knock your socks off with performances from films and musicals in the “Musical Theater Revue” at 7:30 p.m. on April 15-16 in Cullen Hall.

Thirteen University pop singers will perform group, solo and duet numbers from musicals such as “A Chorus Line," "The Wizard of Oz," "Les Miserables," "Oklahoma!," "Woman of the Year," "For the Boys," "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves," "Godspell" and other classics.

Senior music major and English minor Meeka Opong will perform in several numbers throughout the evening.

“It's great to be exposed to both classical and contemporary musical theater,” Opong said. “To have the experience of dancing and singing in a Broadway style with quality singers and under the direction of high-level professionals is something I value and treasure. It's also very fun to perform well-known choral numbers from musicals and movies.”

Dr. Brady Knapp, assistant professor of music and head of choral and vocal studies, is the musical director and staged and choreographed the show.

“Dr. Knapp is a very fine professor,” Opong said. “He's very specific with vocal technique, and works magic with your voice. I have grown so much vocally working with him. He's very enthusiastic, energetic and cares so much about the art. I really appreciate that he has taught me how to give to others through my art.”

Debra Dickinson, a Broadway veteran and full-time faculty member of the Shepherd School at Rice University, is the stage director. Professor Lovie Smith-Wright, a percussion instructor in Music, is the percussionist for the show.

“Working with Debra Dickinson in performances such as the Pop Singers concert has helped me grow immensely as a stage performer and actress,” Opong said. “She truly is one of the best in the business, and it's a great privilege to be able to work with her.”

Opong is looking forward to the show and giving the audience a performance they probably do not see very often.

“‘The Musical Theater Revue' is different from seeing a full musical theater performance because the audience is not seeing a full production,” she said. “They will experience different fast-paced, fun, energetic numbers from musicals, movies and other stand-alone numbers. It's great for audience members of all ages, and it's a very fun show.”

The performance is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Ann Candler Harlan at 713-525-3159 or harlanac@stthom.edu.